Initial Report:
Black Diamond Cosmo Headlamp

Product Information Manufacturer: Black Diamond Manufacturer Website: http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/ Product Tested: Cosmo Headlamp Year of Manufacture: 2006 Included: Headlamp, headband, 3 AAA batteries Number of LEDs: 4 Batteries Used: 3 AAA Number of Settings: 4 (high, medium, and low beam, plus strobe) Burn Time: 150, 120. 75, 120 hours for listed settings Illumination Distance: 26, 39, and 59 ft (8, 12, 18 m) for listed settings Weight: Manufacturer specified weight is 1.6 oz (44 g) without batteries, 2.8 oz (80 g) with batteries; measured weight is 1.65 oz (47 g) without batteries, 2.91 oz (82 g) with batteries (scale accurate to 0.01 oz/0.1 g) Warranty: 3 years MSRP: $29.95 US

The Black Diamond Cosmo Headlamp (Photo from Black Diamond website)

Product Description
From the Black Diamond website: “Tiny but packed with features, the Cosmo’s compact and lightweight design with four SuperBright LEDs provides bright, close-range lighting—stuff it in your pack, glove box or first aid kit for go-anywhere use.”

Features:

• Low profile & super compact with tiltable head
• 3 brightness settings & strobe illumination
• SuperBright LEDs provide good proximity lighting

Initial Impressions
The Black Diamond is packaged in clear plastic so you can readily see what you get, and readily understand its features. It comes out of its packaging fairly easily without damaging the product.

The assembly and use instructions are printed in six languages (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese), and are very clear and understandable. Assembly is easy: 1) install the batteries and 2) install the headband. A nice feature is that the headlamp (sans headband) will attach to a strap on a backpack.

I found the headlamp case a little awkward to open and close for battery installation. The instructions state that the headband attachment bracket can be extended to pry the case open, but it is still awkward. Nevertheless, with a little fumbling the batteries can be installed fairly easily.

At 2.9 oz (82 g) with batteries, the Cosmo is a little lighter in weight than many comparable headlamps, which weigh 3.5 oz (99 g) or more.

I have used the Cosmo on two backpacking trips already, and I am really impressed with the amount and quality of light it puts out. It completely illuminates my tent, and its light is like daylight, making it easy to do camp chores or read in my tent.
 
Test Plan
Test Period—Mid-May 2006 to mid-September 2006.

Test Locations—For the remainder of the spring I will be backpacking weekly in the mid elevation forested zone near my home in Colorado. This summer I will be backpacking weekly in the high alpine zone of the Colorado Mountains.

Testing Conditions—The testing environments will consist of forests and high elevation alpine country. Expected extreme conditions include: snow showers, strong winds, rain storms, heavy rain, intense sun, low temperatures, and high elevations with strong UV and intense thunderstorms. Terrains will be forest trails, off-trail bushwhacking, scrambling, and walking in rain and snow. Elevations will range from 6,000 to 13,500 ft (1829 to 4115 m) and temperatures will range from 20 to 85 F (-7 to 29 C).

Activities—The Black Diamond Cosmo Headlamp will be tested doing the following activities: 1) camp activities while backpacking, 2) backpacking at night, 4) reading in my tent, and 5) cooking after dark. I will also use the headlamp while working at home on projects in poorly-lit situations.

Data—On each trip I will record the following data: 1) temperatures, 2) estimated wind speed, 3) estimated humidity, 4) altitude, 5) precipitation (including what form), 6) trail (or no trail) conditions, 7) how the Black Diamond Cosmo Headlamp was used, and 8) how well it performed in its various modes.

Factors Evaluated
Following are the specific factors on which I will be evaluating the Black Diamond Cosmo Headlamp. In this Initial Report, I have supplied some information based on my use so far. I will provide answers to the remaining questions in my Field Report and Long Term Report.

Materials, Quality, And Construction—The  headlamp case is made of molded plastic that appears to be a high-impact type that does not easily break. The headband is made of a soft, absorbent, stretchy fabric. Overall, on first inspection and use, the headlamp appears to be constructed of high quality durable materials.

Fit—Right out of its packaging, the headband fit my head perfectly. There appears to be plenty of adjustment in the headband to fit over heavy headwear.

Are there adequate adjustments? How well does it work with a billed hat or hood?

Comfort—Is the headlamp comfortable to wear on my head for longer periods?

Usability—The headlamp has four settings - high, medium, and low beam, plus strobe. A full depression of a large button on the top of the headlamp clicks to give the high beam. The medium, low, and probe (flashing light) settings are accessed by a half depression of the same button (no click).

Are there an adequate number of modes to suit most any need? How user-friendly is the headlamp and its controls? Are the controls easy to operate? Can the button be easily operated by feel? Can I operate the headlamp with gloves on?

Performance—How well do the headlamp’s different modes meet my needs, on the trail and for other activities? How does it work in the rain, snow, and cold? How does it work with different kinds of batteries? Does the Cosmo provide enough light for nighttime backpacking?

Durability—How well does the headlamp hold up under constant, heavy use?  What is its expected life span?

Acknowledgement
I would like to thank Black Diamond and the BackpackGearTest Group for selecting me to participate in this test.

Will Rietveld